Good for the environment

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author, death, Design, Family, Home, Houses, inspiration, Life, writing

I’ve always envisioned being buried in a cavernous mausoleum, with a large bar and seating area. (That way I know my kids would visit.) However, I just learned of a new option: reefball burials.

 A “reefball” is a large mass of rough concrete in the shape of a ball. Holes are deliberately left in it to allow fish and other creatures to use it for feeding, security and development. The cremated remains or “cremains” of an individual are incorporated into an environmentally safe cement mixture and installed in a marine environment that can benefit from an artificial reef. (I wouldn’t be fish food.)

Imagine – a final resting place that helps restore marine environments and establishes new habitats for fish and other sea life. A Sarasota Company, Eternal Reefs, is the only firm in Southwest Florida currently providing such a service. There are more than 750,000 reef balls in oceans around the world, according to the company.

It’s nice to think that, even after my death, I could support marine life long into the future. Plus, my kids love boating, so maybe they would still visit…

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of two Young Adult books, “The Anchor Clankers,” and “Anchored Together.” She is President of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.

Having Books at Home

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author, books, Home, Houses, inspiration, Life, writing

Some people snoop in their friends’ medicine cabinet. I prefer to peek at their bookshelves.

If you want to understand someone’s true personality, take a look at his or her library. The books that they read offer a psychological profile of their tastes, interests and values. I believe book-centered rooms are the ultimate escape, the place to head for to think and read, regenerate your spirit and ideas.

· The library is a room of secrets. Add a hidden compartment to your bookcase, something Mr. Holmes would approve of.

· Books you love to read, plan to reread or need for reference, should never be out of reach.

· Standing on chairs or beds is no substitute for a sturdy, stable library ladder.

· Two comfortable chairs and good lighting are the most important elements of a well-stocked library.

Renee Garrison is an award-winning author of young adult novels. The above is excerpted from “Sweet Beams: Inspiring everyone who lives under a new roof!”

Is Your Home Safe During the Holidays?

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Design, Family, Home, Houses, inspiration, Life, safety

While you’re spending the holidays in a tropical locale or in a quaint European town, thieves could be planning to attack your home. Yet a few easy steps can make your home look occupied and protect your property. (If it looks like there are still people at home, you’re much less likely to be robbed.) Do everything you can to make it look like there’s activity both inside and outside the
house.
• Up your exterior light game: While you’re automating your lights, make sure you have enough of them on the outside of your home. A well-lit place is less likely to be an attractive target for a thief. And motion-activated lights that pop on when they sense movement outside your home can help protect it every day.
• Let your neighbors know: If those who live closest to you know that you’re away, they’re likely to keep a closer eye on your home and be alerted to strange noises or unfamiliar faces.
• Consider mail and newspaper delivery: Thieves may notice an overfilled mailbox and take that as a cue to hit your home. A smart robber who is watching will notice that the mail is not being delivered. It might be best to continue with mail delivery and ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
• Check your doors and windows before you leave:
You might not realize you have a back door or first-floor window that’s unlocked, but a thief will.
• Chill on the social media updates: Just posted a picture on Facebook of the family hanging out on Maui or tweeted about a great restaurant you found near Disney World? You just gave thieves all the info they need to make your home next on their list. If you still want to make sure you’re sharing your good times online, set your profiles to private. Or, wait until you get home to post photos.

Less is more

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author, Girlfriends, Home, Houses, Life, New York Fashion Week, writing

Call it the affliction of a former fashion editor, or the result of living in a state with four seasons for a decade, but I had so many articles of clothing that I woke up to a loud crash of my closet rod collapsing because of the weight.

You’d think that would have been my “come-to-Jesus” moment, but it wasn’t. What finally got me to bring garbage bags into my room was a recent move in sunny Florida and the patient support of a friend. It boiled down to guilt: These pieces had designer labels and the cost of each had been ridiculous. (I knew that because the tags were still attached to many of them.)

Still, it makes no sense to keep outdated slacks and dresses that no longer fit my style simply because they were expensive.  If I got rid of all the constantly-ignored-and-skipped-over clothes, the pieces I actually wear wouldn’t look so wrinkled. There would be enough space between the hangers.

Dozens of bags were donated to charities or delivered to consignment stores.

And you know what? I haven’t missed one thing!

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers and Anchored Together.

Comfy on a couch

Tags

Architecture, Community, decorating, Design, Family, Florida, Home, Homeowner, Houses, Humor, Memories

When you live a short drive from “Mickey and Minnie’s house” in Florida, you have overnight guests at least once a month. In the event of a big crowd, a few may even stay on your couch. Here are a few ways to make guests feel comfortable and welcome, even when they’re bunking on a sofa bed:

1. Replace end tables with dressers: Being able to unpack is key to feeling at home. To avoid mysterious piles of clothing in your living area, use a small dresser in place of a traditional end table to give guests space for their things.
2. Clear out closet space: Luggage can take up valuable real estate in tight quarters, so making room for your guest’s luggage in your closet helps both you and them feel better about sharing a small space.
3. Arrange an amenity area: Whether it’s your coffee table or end table, make sure your guests have useful items such as a small fan, an alarm clock and a table lamp within arm’s reach.
4. Stage a plug-in hot spot: Set up a designated charging area for phones, laptops and tablets. That way, guests can recharge at the end of a long day without having to hunt for outlets. Don’t forget to leave your WiFi password.
5. Provide bedding storage: Carve out a place where bedding can be stored during the day so that your sofa can be used while you are entertaining your guests. Try a chest, closet or storage ottoman.
6. Stock the liquor cabinet: Your guests won’t mind their accommodations at all.

 

Look for more inspirational home ideas in Renee’s book, “Sweet Beams: Inspiring everyone who lives under a new roof,” available on amazon.com

The challenge of downsizing

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aging, children, Community, Family, Home, Houses, Life, lifestyle, thoughts

If you read the definition of “Down·size  (doun’siz’)” in the dictionary, it sounds easy: To reduce in number or size. To simplify (one’s life, for instance), as by reducing the number of one’s possessions. To become smaller in size by reductions in personnel or assets.
But for me, “downsize” means both a logistical and emotional challenge. It isn’t simply about getting rid of physical things: It’s also about releasing the emotional attachment that comes with them.
It recently took an entire month for me to move from one house to another. Children’s report cards, letters and photos require sorting and savoring. Friends who sell large homes and move to smaller ones appear equally unable (or unwilling) to dispose of their memories. We’re all saddened by adult children who are dismissive of childhood trophies and memorabilia that don’t blend with their current decorating scheme. We know one day, they will regret it.
When my friends ask, I offer one piece of advice: Get outside help.
I turned to my sister when the reality of needing to downsize finally settled in. A pragmatist, she honed her skills with a move to Brussels, Belgium followed by the sale of a large home in McLean, Virginia before downsizing to a townhouse in Annapolis, Maryland.
She ruthlessly attacked my closets and garage with the empathy of an avenging warlord.
Guided by the mantra, “When in doubt, throw it out,” we packed 14 carloads of household items and clothing – including my 1977 boxed wedding gown – and donated everything to the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia County. (The organization provides emergency and transitional housing for families in need.)
When we were finished, I felt no regrets – only relief. Actually, I felt a bit of satisfaction, too: The manager of The Neighborhood Center thrift store confided that our donations had boosted their revenues for more than a month!

In this case, less is definitely more.

Check out Renee’s book, “Sweet Beams: Inspiring Everyone Who Lives Under a New Roof,” available on amazon.com

Bigger might look better!

Tags

bathroom renovation, Build, Construction, Design, Homes, Houses, interior design, mirrors

There are plenty of ways to “open up” your living spaces by fooling the eye to make others (and yourself!) think that your home is much, much larger than it actually is. It doesn’t always require tearing down walls or major renovations. Here are a few tricks to make your home a real “treat!”

1.Go With Glass
If you are doing a bathroom renovation, choose glass shower doors over a shower curtain, which becomes a visual barrier instead of letting your eyes take in every inch of space that exists. Similarly, you can replace wooden doors for french doors, or any doors with interior glass panels.
2.Hang Mirrors
You can choose either individual mirrors, or mirrors that go from floor to ceiling, to reflect light and make a small room feel more open. Think about what parts of the room you want to see reflected before hanging anything.
3.Choose the Right Furniture
Avoid heavy, solid furniture or skirted sofas. Instead choose pieces on raised legs, or made of clear materials, that have less visual weight.
4.Raise & Widen Your Curtains
Extending the curtain rod beyond the actual window- both in terms of height and width, makes you think the window is larger, and the ceilings taller, than they actually are. If there are two or more windows side by side, try one curtain on the entire wall – hanging separate pairs unnecessarily chops up the space.

“Sweet Beams: Inspiring everyone who lives under a new roof!” is available on Amazon.com

The Entryway

Tags

Architecture, Build, Construction, Design, environment, Home, Homeowner, Houses, real-estate, Residence, Shelter, style

Though you live in your backyard, the world inevitably beats a path to your front door. Well-designed entryways can offer, privacy, light, charm and character to your home – without breaking style or the budget.
A new door, some well-placed windows or a fresh coat of paint can work wonders on a tired façade or an out-of-date entry. According to architect Richard Hartmann, “The ambiance of your home actually starts outside. It’s a whole sequence of events. Meandering through landscaping on a slightly curved path, for example, enhances the experience. ”

Here are a few tips for adding style:

* Add window boxes. They add color to a plain exterior when they’re overflowing with plants or flowers.
* Replace old hardware with brass numbers, handles, a mailbox or kick plate. Ceramic or hand-painted house numbers are good alternatives.
* Add a new front door, sidelights or transom. If you can’t afford to replace the door, add decorative molding around the one you have.
* Use clay pots or sculpture to spark an uninspired entry.
* Add an awning over doors or windows. With Florida’s seasonal rain showers, it’s practical as well as pretty.
* Add carriage lights on either side of the front door or low-voltage path lights along the walkway. They can help bring your best foot forward.

Sweet Beams: Inspiring everyone who lives under a new roof! is available on amazon.com.

The home library

Tags

Architecture, books, Build, decorating, environment, Home, Houses, interior design, library

The home library links us with the past, present, and future in a way that is portable, affordable and aesthetically pleasing.

If you want to understand someone’s true personality, take a look at his or her library. Just as a peek into a person’s medicine cabinet can reveal a great deal about their medical history, the books that they read offer a psychological profile of their tastes, interests and values. Book-centered rooms are the ultimate escape on a winter’s day, the place to head for to think and read, regenerate your spirit and ideas.

· The library is a room of secrets. Add a hidden compartment to your bookcase, something Mr. Holmes would approve of.

· Books you love to read, plan to reread or need for reference, should never be out of reach.

· Standing on chairs or beds is no substitute for a sturdy, stable library ladder.

· Two comfortable chairs and good lighting are the most important elements of a well-stocked library.

Excerpted from “Sweet Beams: Inspiring everyone who lives under a new roof!”available on amazon.com

Better than a lien

Tags

Architecture, Build, Construction, Home, Homeowner, Houses, New Home, real-estate

Life is more complex today. In the past to ensure payment for work, masons secretly would place a glass pane inside the chimney flue to prevent its use. Only after they received payment would the mason climb to the top of the chimney, drop a brick and break the glass.

Excerpted from Sweet Beams: Inspiring everyone who lives under a new roof!